This is interesting:
“The bridge that Billie Joe McAlister jumped off of was elsewhere, and it collapsed in 1972. In 2016 Greenwood erected this marker to hometown singer/songwriter Bobbie Gentry, and stuck it next to a bridge. Since the song’s bridge is gone, and since this one has the Gentry historical marker, it’s enough for most folks.”
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/56386
And this, too:
“The enigma of her best-known song is nothing compared to that of Bobbie Gentry herself. In the early ’70s, she was riding high—headlining in Vegas, duetting with Glen Campbell on several hits, hosting her own TV series. Then around 1975, after contributing music to a movie based on “Ode,” she simply checked out. She has not been heard from in over 35 years. All requests for interviews, recordings and performances have been denied. She is said to be living in the Los Angeles area.”
https://performingsongwriter.com/bobbie-gentry-ode-billie-joe/
Well, good for her! Go out on a high note. Escape the downside of fame afterward. Protect your privacy. Smart lady!
One of my favorite albums in the ‘60s was duets by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell. Wish I still had it.